Semester Learning and Development Limited

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Semester: Learning and Development Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Christine Lacey, Ofsted Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

5 Howells Road Dunvant Swansea SA2 7SX Monitoring visit: Semester: Learning and Development Limited, 5 - 6 February 2020

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Context and focus of visit

From October 2018, Ofsted undertook to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of apprenticeship training provision which began to be funded from April 2017 or after by ESFA and/or the apprenticeship levy. This monitoring visit was undertaken as part of those arrangements and as outlined in the Further education and skills inspection handbook, especially the sections entitled ‘Monitoring visits’ and ‘Monitoring visits to providers that are newly directly publicly funded’. The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below.

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Context and focus of visit

Semester Learning and Development are an independent learning provider that received their first publicly funded contract for apprenticeship training in April 2018. They provide training for apprentices in the engineering sector. Apprentices follow the advanced engineering manufacture (craft and technician) at level 3. At the time of the monitoring visit, they were training fewer than five apprentices. They also provide training for apprentices in information technology and telecommunications as a subcontractor. The subcontracted provision is not in scope for this monitoring visit.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices in the engineering sector, who require a more flexible delivery model, benefit from a highly flexible curriculum design. Staff ensure that learning programmes are highly responsive to the sector in which they work. For example, provision is available across Europe, so apprentices would find regular attendance in a fixed location difficult. This meets employers’ needs and national skills shortages well. This approach helps ensure apprentices quickly acquire new knowledge and skills which benefit the employer’s business.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers ensure that apprentices benefit from helpful advice and guidance at the start and throughout the apprenticeship. Apprentices are assessed at the start of the programme and these results are used effectively to plan a curriculum which best suits their abilities and the employers’ business needs. As a result, apprentices are placed on the right level of programme and acquire the new skills and behaviours they need for work. Monitoring visit: Semester: Learning and Development Limited, 5 - 6 February 2020 Tutors are supported well by leaders to maintain their professional and vocational standards and receive regular updating in topics such as safeguarding and Prevent. Leaders ensure tutors use their high levels of electrical/electronic, mechanical and business knowledge, skills and expertise to provide apprentices with a relevant curriculum experience. As a result, the different elements of the curriculum combine well to provide

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Reasonable progress

distance learning resources, one-to-one learning sessions, work shadowing and additional occupationally relevant qualifications.

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Reasonable progress

The Managing Director (MD) has a good understanding of the quality of the provision. Regular apprentice and employer feedback is used to support improvement to the quality of the curriculum. Exhaustive sampling of tutors’ delivery materials and assessment decisions also provides a clear picture of quality. The MD uses such information well to bring about rapid improvement. For example, previous progress tracking arrangements were not accurate enough in tracking the progress of apprentices, but this has now improved.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors provide good quality training through the on-line learning platform, virtual classroom and supportive 1:1 tutorial sessions. These focus on the knowledge and technical understanding required to work in the engineering sector. Apprentices gain very good new skills in the workplace working alongside highly experienced and knowledgeable supervisors and service engineers. For example, when conducting complex fault diagnosis and repair techniques.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors use progress review meetings well to set challenging targets and check apprentices progress. They also provide clear career and progression advice throughout the apprenticeship and as a result, apprentices feel well supported to make the next step in their career.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors and supervisors provide curriculum content that supports apprentices’ improvements in English, mathematics and digital skills. Technical report writing skills are developed well when apprentices create accurate Monitoring visit: Semester: Learning and Development Limited, 5 - 6 February 2020 maintenance schedules in the workplace and identify software up-grades to improve reliability and running costs.

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Reasonable progress

The curriculum is carefully constructed in consultation with employers. Staff have devised schemes of work for the delivery of the programme and employers have developed on-the-job training plans. This aspect encompasses the more specialist skills apprentices need to do their jobs well and safely. For example, apprentices receive offshore safety, working at heights and confined spaces training.

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Reasonable progress

Progress is tracked so that apprentices and supervisors can see what has been completed and what is left to do. Review meetings are frequent but lack more precise targets for employers to keep their apprentices motivated. Due to periods of training being disrupted through work being needed on overseas assignments, progress has slowed. Provider and employer staff have recently implemented a robust intervention plan to ensure all complete on time.

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Reasonable progress

Safeguarding arrangements have been established that protect apprentices and staff. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place and are subject to regular review. These are used effectively by all staff and as a result all feel safe and know who to contact with any concerns.

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Reasonable progress

The designated safeguarding lead is appropriately qualified to carry out the role effectively. All staff benefit from regular training in safeguarding and ‘Prevent’ and are updated on at least an annual basis. They know how to report any issues relating to safeguarding, radicalisation and extremism. Safe recruitment practices are implemented effectively when new staff are recruited. A ‘Prevent’ duty risk assessment is in place.

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Reasonable progress

On and off-the-job curriculum and training plans encompass the more specialist skills needed to complete the apprenticeship well and safely. They also ensure all know how to stay safe in the industry in which they work and benefit from a range of additional health and safety training programmes. Those working in politically sensitive regions receive additional intensive awareness training on staying safe from extremists and radicalisation. Monitoring visit: Semester: Learning and Development Limited, 5 - 6 February 2020 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education

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Reasonable progress

and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

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